The stars seemed to align Sunday at The Palace for the revamped Pistons to, finally, be the center of real attention in this town.

Not because it was opening night and there was an obligation to pay attention. Or because they were honoring a hero from their distinctive past.

The Lions had their bye week. The Red Wings didnít play.

The Celtics are an awful team presently, especially with Rajon Rondo still recovering from a torn ACL and out of the lineup, but they are still the Celtics in name. There are few names more recognizable in all of sports. The Michigan-Michigan State football game is in the rearview mirror.

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It was the much-anticipated Pistonsí debut for point guard Brandon Jennings.

Then, the Tigers stole the sole stage away from the Pistons by naming Jim Leylandís successor as manager, Brad Ausmus.

Oh well.

There wasnít a particularly large crowd at The Palace Sunday night. There probably wouldnít have been anyway, but the Pistons did respond with a victory.

Most importantly, Jennings played well and was the key factor in the win.

ďObviously, we knew Brandon Jennings could play,Ē Pistons coach Maurice Cheeks said. ďIt was just good to see him out there.

ďIt changed the game, and changed our makeup.Ē

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When Boston rallied to take the lead early in the fourth quarter, Jennings responded by hitting a shot, finding Kyle Singler with a pretty no-look bounce pass for a layup and a foul and then drilling a jumper.

He was really good when it mattered. Itís exactly what the Pistons need.

The Pistons are a good-news, bad-news tale.

The good news is the big guys.

The balance of the Pistonsí front court is pretty good. Andre Drummond isnít a special player yet, but he is a special talent. He can guard the rim. He is a dunking machine. It would be surprising if he doesnít finish among the NBAís leading rebounders.

The Pistons won opening night Wednesday vs. Washington with Greg Monroe having a terrific game. There are a lot of fans clamoring to trade Monroe, as if he hasnít produced. Monroe is a solution for the Pistons, not a problem. He is an excellent offense rebounder, will score consistently and plays good-enough defense in the post. He isnít an exceptional athlete like Drummond, but he can be as an effective a player, especially when combined with Drummond.

Josh Smith didnít have a huge impact on Sundayís game, but his presence is considerable.

Jennings played most of the game with a mask upon his return from a dental issue. The Pistons badly need him to perform up to expectations. If he isnít everything the Pistons anticipated at the time they traded with the Milwaukee Bucks (for Brandon Knight) to acquire him, their backcourt is still going to be dependent to win tough games on Rodney Stuckey.

Itís not like Stuckey hasnít played well in the league before. He has, but it is maddening how, when he is counted upon for consistency, it disappears.

Will Bynum is a pretty good player in a certain, not appreciated enough way. But even given that, he is at his best in small doses of energy, not long periods on the floor. Same with fan favorite Chauncey Billups at this late stage of his career. The idea of Billups spotting up for a key 3-point shot is still a good one, but he would be best in a limited role.

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This was the third game of the year. The Pistons have won two. This was the most promising, though, because of Jennings.

Itís thriving during the grind of the season is what will matter most.

Jennings was considered an enigma with Milwaukee, a big-time talent who didnít deliver in the clutch.